So close! A foodie chateau-hotel with pool near St Omer

Romantic French château holidays aren’t all in far-flung France. Some are (literally) just over the Channel in Northern France, a hop, skip and a heartbeat from Calais. So close to home yet a million miles away, soak up the enchanting atmosphere at Château de Tilques, a luxury Najeti château-hotel near St-Omer. With champagne served in your luxury room, your table ready reserved for you at the château’s restaurant (Michelin, no less), indoor pool, and the UNESCO-listed Marais Audomarois wetlands on the doorstep, this is the ultimate easy-to-reach French château holiday

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Château de Tilques - a château-hotel near St-Omer in Northern France for romantic French château holidays

The grounds of the romantic château-hotel near St-Omer in Northern France

The red room at Château de Tilques in Northern France – perfect for your luxury French château holiday

… or there’s the purple room at Château de Tilques, another luxury option on your French château holiday

In the tranquil landscapes around St-Omer, just a short 40-minute drive from Calais, you’ll find a rare sight indeed – the ‘Marais Audomarois’ wetlands, a unique, greener-than-green hideaway paradise where market-gardeners work the land on floating gardens. Perhaps the last thing you’d expect to find here, peeping out of a secluded wooded spot is this enchanting château-hôtel near St-Omer, grand and Flemish in style and every bit as inviting as you’d imagine a French château holiday could be. The heart beats faster from the moment you step through the grand and gated entrance, passing stunning sculptures as you approach the enchanting 19th century residence. Once inside, elegant French style oozes from every corner ─ period furniture, high ceilings, classic Toile de Jouy fabrics ─ and then of course there’s your room overlooking the grounds, a little piece of paradise to gaze upon whilst you savour the complimentary champagne and melt-in-the-mouth French macarons. A luxury indoor pool completes the blissful picture.

Getting dressed up for dinner is all part and parcel of the foodie experience, so make the most of your luxury room before making your way to ‘Le Vert Mesnil’ restaurant with its delightfully contemporary decor in the château’s converted stables. It’s not hard to find either: just close your eyes and be led by the sweet smell of delicious meats roasting away on the open fire. Or might your tastebuds be tickled by a fish stew of pollock with cockles and citrus-zest mash? Whatever you choose, rest-assured it’s all good… it’s in the Michelin guide after all!

When morning comes, there’s another romantic pleasure to take your time over, and that’s breakfast together, either enjoyed in your room (who wouldn’t want to make the most of the luxury a little longer?) or on the sunny terrace. Then, grab a robe to kick-start your day with a few lengths at the luxury pool (enjoy the view while you’re at it!), before lounging poolside to plan the day ahead. Here in this pocket of Northern France you’re spoilt for choice with the Deux-Caps cliffs, picture-postcard Arras, glamorous Le Touquet and the WW1 remembrance trail all within easy reach of your French château base.

The absolute must during your stay at this château-hotel near St-Omer is the famous UNESCO-listed ‘Marais Audomarois’ – Northern France’s peaceful haven of wetlands and floating gardens only 6km away. Opt for serene, romantic walks or a slow-boat meander – there’s even the option of e-bike hire or a trip in an iconic 2CV, complete with expert guide. Visit La Coupole, only 5km from St-Omer, a huge bunker where V2 rockets were mass produced by deportees to be launched against London during the WW2. Escape from it all at the nearby Clairmarais forest, book a round at St Omer’s golf club or simply indulge in some local specialities ─ St-Omer camembert and Genièvre de Houlle gin amongst the finest. A toast to the nearest and best French château holiday? Chin-chin!

Services

A good night’s sleep

Enjoy the comfort of our quality beds and bedding (160 x 200 cm)

Breakfast

Breakfast is self-service and unlimited, with seasonal produce and fresh fruit

Parking

Parking is on-site and free of charge. There are parking bays for electric cars too.

Unlimited access to the indoor pool from 7:30am to 10:30pm. Towels provided

Opportunity to buy local specialties on site

At reception you can buy locally-made specialities such as Genièvre de Houlle gin and Bourdon waffles

Breakfast delivered to your room

If you would like to have breakfast in your room (5 euros supplement applies), just let reception know the evening before. Enjoy the same choice as you would in the restaurant.

Dietary requirements

We can cater for vegans, vegetarians and guests with food allergies. Please notify reception of your requirements in advance.

Champagne

Treat your other half by having a bottle of champagne delivered to your room (60 euros).

Wellbeing

An individual massage session in your room can be arranged. Please book in advance by contacting reception.

Bring the dog

Dogs are permitted (30 euros per night supplement)

Choose your room

Subject to availability, you can choose a luxury room in the château itself or one of our pavilion rooms – right next to the pool.

Enjoy a lie-in

Breakfast is served until 10am

Travel light

Gowns and slippers in your room at your disposal

Complimentary items

Soap, shower gel, make-up removal pads, tissues

Arrival and check-out times

Arrival is from 4pm and latest check-out time is midday. Feel free to leave your luggage with us if you wish to arrive earlier

Planning a surprise?

Help is available from reception if you wish to plan a romantic gesture or surprise for your partner.

Dinner at the château’s restaurant

Dinner is included in the price and includes a choice of 3 starters, main courses and desserts.

Discover the Marais Audomarois wetlands by powered bike or 2CV with ‘Belles Echappées’

Château de Tilques has teamed up with the company Belles Echappées to offer you discounted rates on two unique ways to discover the Marais Audomarois marshlands: by e-bike (40 euros for a day’s hire for 2 people) or by 2CV (159 euros for the day). Further information and booking at hotel reception

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Gourmet moments

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Reconnect with nature

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Whether it’s tasting local specialities, experiencing a French market or stopping for a coffee or a glass of something stronger, here are the best foodie addresses within easy reach of your accommodation.

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Restaurant ‘Chez Tante Fauvette’

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Aux Merveilleux de Fred

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‘La Ferme Audomaroise’ cheesemongers

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Genièvre Houlle Gin distillery

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La Brasserie Goudale

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St Omer market

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Restaurant ‘Le Rallye d’Artois’

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Restaurant ‘Chez Tante Fauvette’Big on taste and tradition, here are all the vegetables from the Marais Audomarois reserve in one hit. With its cosy and...See more

Big on taste and tradition, here are all the vegetables from the Marais Audomarois reserve in one hit. With its cosy and traditional atmosphere, you’ll find everything from beautiful cauliflowers to local Tilques carrots ─ all fresh and local produce packed with healthy vitamins.

Aux Merveilleux de FredIf you haven’t yet discovered a little meringuey goodie known as a ‘Merveilleux’– symbolic of the region and known throughout...See more

If you haven’t yet discovered a little meringuey goodie known as a ‘Merveilleux’– symbolic of the region and known throughout France and beyond – you’d better add one to your foodie bucket list. Invented by Frédéric Vaucamps, both the Merveilleux and the Cramiques (Belgian brioches) are to die for!

‘La Ferme Audomaroise’ cheesemongersAnyone who can’t resist French cheese should head to ‘La Ferme Audomaroise’ to treat themselves to a purchase or two from the...See more

Anyone who can’t resist French cheese should head to ‘La Ferme Audomaroise’ to treat themselves to a purchase or two from the master cheesemongers, famous for creating St Omer camembert. Products vary according to the season.

Genièvre Houlle Gin distilleryCome and discover the artisanal secrets of traditional gin production at this world-renowned distillery. Be sure to book your...See more

Come and discover the artisanal secrets of traditional gin production at this world-renowned distillery. Be sure to book your visit in advance. Available any time of year but closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays. 7 euros per person. Visit lasts 90 minutes and ends with a take-home – a miniature bottle of Genièvre.

La Brasserie Goudale Come on into the hub of this ultra-modern brewery for a browse in the boutique or a guided tour. The tours are available for...See more

Come on into the hub of this ultra-modern brewery for a browse in the boutique or a guided tour. The tours are available for groups of 10 or more (if you are fewer, it may be possible to join an existing group). Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

St Omer marketThere’s no better place to find local specialities than here at St Omer market. With fresh local produce sold directly from the...See more

There’s no better place to find local specialities than here at St Omer market. With fresh local produce sold directly from the producers, including market gardeners and cheesemakers, foodies are in their element here.

Restaurant ‘Le Rallye d’Artois’A warm welcome coupled with regional gastro-cuisine prepared by a master restauranteur. Of course, a key ingredient in many of...See more

A warm welcome coupled with regional gastro-cuisine prepared by a master restauranteur. Of course, a key ingredient in many of the dishes here is Genièvre, the artisan gin from the Persyn distillery right on the doorstep!

Immerse yourselves in one of northern France’s natural spaces. The best way to clear the head, take in fresh air and rejuvenate

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Visit the Marais Audomarois by 2CV or e-bike

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St Omer Golf Club

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Head off on a Marais Audomarois walking route

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Visit the Marais Audomarois by 2CV or e-bikeYes, there are the traditional boats, but what about discovering the Marais Audomarois in a completely original way… in a...See more

Yes, there are the traditional boats, but what about discovering the Marais Audomarois in a completely original way… in a legendary 2CV? Roof down, you’ll soon get a taste for driving the ultimate French icon. For those who prefer bicycles made for two, you’ll soon get into the rhythm of a tandem ─ or there are the electric bikes too to speed off on, wind in your hair. It’s not the destination that counts, but the journey itself

Here is our hidden gems selection: places you wouldn’t necessarily have heard about. Often underrated, they probably are the places where you will feel the most “out of time” during your time with us in Northern France.

In 2018, Cassel was officially awarded prestigious ‘Village préféré des Français’ status ─ France’s favourite village ─ based on a vote on French TV. In a rich setting and with the local sense of conviviality like no other, Cassel’s key charm is in its flamboyant Flemish style, from the buildings in Grand’Place (the main square) to its colourfully-shuttered houses. A unique blend of brickwork, colour and typical engravings characterises Cassel.

The Coupole Planétarium Discover La Coupole, the former secret launching base at the heart of WW2 history. It was here that the V2 was to be launched,...See more

Discover La Coupole, the former secret launching base at the heart of WW2 history. It was here that the V2 was to be launched, prototype for all modern missiles. Today, La Coupole is a fascinating museum where visitors can float in the universe, head to the moon and take a step on Mars. A unique 3D and 360° experience.

Here, amongst the treasures at St Omer’s gothic-style cathedral, you’ll find an astronomical clock, a grand organ and some magnificent stained-glass windows. Pop into the tourist office before your visit where audio-guides are available for hire (3 euros) – it’s the best way to discover all the cathedral’s best secrets as you wander through.

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Our Promise to you

Each experience available on this site has been visited and selected by our team of travel insiders as offering something exceptional for International guests. You will have a warm welcome, the host can speak English (perhaps not perfectly), and we are sure you will live an extraordinary moment. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if this was (or was not) the case.